Energy Audits and Workshops
Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) and Minnesota Energy Resources have partnered with the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) to offer Rochester homeowners the Neighborhood Energy Challenge (NEC). This residential energy audit program is designed to improve home comfort, reduce energy waste, and lower utility bills.
How the Program Works
Step 1: Attend a Free Energy Workshop
Participation begins with a free "Saving Energy 101" workshop. Attendance is required and provides practical no- and low-cost strategies for reducing energy use at home.
Participants receive a complimentary reusable bag with outlet insulation gaskets and outlet safety plugs. Free childcare is available.
Step 2: Schedule a Home Energy Visit
After attending the workshop, participants may schedule an in-home energy visit that takes about two hours. During the visit, a trained energy auditor will:
- Conduct blower door testing to identify air leaks
- Evaluate insulation levels
- Install basic energy-saving materials
- Identify opportunities to improve comfort and reduce energy costs
Step 3: Receive Guidance on Next Steps
If additional improvements are recommended, such as insulation upgrades, attic air sealing, or heating equipment replacement, we can connect participants with:
- Qualified contractors
- Financing options
- Available incentives
- Utility rebates
Program Cost
The home energy visit, energy-saving materials, and support with next steps are included for a one-time fee of $75. Energy-saving materials may include:
- Outlet insulation gaskets
- Child safety outlet caps
- LED light bulbs
- Pipe insulation
- High-efficiency faucet aerators
- High-efficiency showerhead
Workshop Dates*
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Virtual workshop via Zoom
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
12:00-1:00 p.m.
Virtual workshop via Zoom
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Virtual workshop via Zoom
Thursday, September 17, 2026
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Northrop Community Education Center: Room 308
201 8th St NW
Rochester, MN 55901
Saturday, November 14, 2026
10:00-11:00 a.m.
Northrop Community Education Center: Room 308
201 8th St NW
Rochester, MN 55901
*Workshop dates and locations subject to change.
Registration
Register for the Neighborhood Energy Challenge by completing the registration form.
Questions?
Contact Stacy Boots Camp at 888-734-6365 or sbootscamp@mncee.org.
About Stacy Boots Camp
Stacy Boots Camp is the Outreach Manager at the Center for Energy and Environment. She joined CEE in 2009 and previously conducted residential energy audits before transitioning to outreach and education. Stacy has more than a decade of community and environmental organizing experience and holds an Energy Auditor certification from Dunwoody Institute.